Chapter 4
Ryan
Go get it, Tank,” I encouraged as my pup sprinted toward his tennis ball in the front lot of the warehouse. I was killing time, waiting for Nate to show up for work.
As Tank happily brought back the drool-covered toy, I glanced at my phone. Nate was already over an hour late. Usually, that wouldn’t really bother me, but with what Cass had witnessed the day before, I was rightfully worried and starting to become enraged.
Nathan had been one of my best friends since we were kids. His life had unraveled after I selfishly dropped out of his life while I was dealing with my brother’s untimely death, in the military and joining the club, and I felt guilty about it all. I wasn’t going to sit idly by while all his hard work was flushed down the damn toilet. I’d had my suspicions for a while, and Cass had confirmed my worst fear.
Finally, his old Chevy dually loudly rumbled into the lot. My blood ran cold as it swerved into his space, parking slanted in the lines as he back her in.
“Fuck,” I grumbled to myself as I made my way over to the driver’s side.
“Hey, man.” Nate’s eyes were squinting and glassy as he hopped out of the truck.
There was no wasting time. I wasn’t one to ever beat around the bush with anyone. “Are you high right now?” I barked the question at one of my best friends as he steadied himself with the side of his vehicle.
“What?” he asked, shoving his hands in his pockets.
“Just answer the fucking question.” I was getting heated quickly.
He violently shook his head. “No. I wouldn’t do that. I’m sober.”
“Empty your pockets,” I ordered, taking a step closer.
Without protest, he turned the pockets of his jeans inside out and tossed me his cellphone and wallet. “See, I got nothing on me. Cassidy talk to you?”
I nodded. “We’re just worried about you.”
“I didn’t get a lot of sleep last night. Sorry I’m late, but that is really it.”
I didn’t believe him as far as I could throw him, but we had work to get to and the truth would come out eventually.
“All right. It’s because we care,” I reassured him as I patted him on the back before leading the way into the warehouse. “I need those crates moved into the short-term storage section. Guys will be by next week to pick them up.” I pointed to the crates that Buck had dropped off the day before.
“You got it, boss.”
I led him into the makeshift kitchen. “Get some coffee first. Can’t have you tired and driving a forklift—you’ll fucking kill yourself. Let’s a whole lot of paperwork I don’t want to deal with,” I teased, giving him a quick wink.
After filling my own mug up, I sank down in my chair. I fielded calls, listened to way too many messages, responded to emails, and set up delivery and pickup dates that needed to be taken care of.
A while later, I grabbed a yellow pad from the desk drawer.
Mikey,
Even though you’re just a little guy right now, eventually you’re going to grow into a man. I promise, son, that I will always do my best to lead by example and help you become a strong and good man. A man that you can be proud of. You have the whole world in front of you and I never want you to feel like you cannot come to me with any problem, big or small. We’re family, and no matter what, I will help you without judgment. Never forget that.
With that being said, there are some things I want to tell you. There is a code every man must live by in his life. Follow your code, son. Never let anyone compromise your moral compass.
Over the years, I have learned some lessons that I want you to take very seriously. Read them carefully and hold on to them.
Never shake a man’s hand sitting down. Stand tall, look him in the eye, and grip tightly.
A man’s bike is his baby, and you must respect that.
Never make the first offer during a negotiation—this’ll give you the high ground.
When you’re at a hotel, always request an early check in and a late checkout—they come in handy more times than not.
Your word is your bond, and you must never tell secrets.
Stay away from petty drama and trash-talking. It’s unbecoming.
Hold anyone you look up to to the highest of standards, and always treat them with respect.
Treat everyone with respect, even when they don’t return the favor.
Always return a car you have borrowed with a full tank of gas.
Live your life with passion and purpose.
Don’t let a wishbone grow where a backbone should be.
Never forget that when you marry a woman, you marry her family too, and there’s good and bad that comes with that. Never let your woman face anything on her own. Her struggles along with her happiness are yours to share in equally.
Try to be like a duck: let shit roll off your back, remaining calm above the water while paddling like hell underneath.
Don’t be scared to be alone—sometimes you’re the only one you can trust.
Always thank a veteran when the opportunity presents itself.
Be kind to the new kid and be his friend.
Never be quick to judge, and always give only one second chance. People make mistakes but you mustn’t be a doormat
Never send a letter that was written out of anger. Write it, but never send it. It’s good to get your feelings out, but once it is sent, the words cannot be taken back.
Always respect your mother and never talk back to her—she is always right.
Never underestimate the power of good manners.
Always stand up to bullies and protect the ones who are being bullied. There is no room in your world for that type of mindless cruelty.
Don’t be scared to follow your dreams. It’s all right to fail, and that’s how you learn to succeed.
Friends are as good as family—treat them accordingly.
Always be confident, but learn to balance it with humility. Always be humble.
When in doubt, ask the hard questions.
I won’t always be there to help you while you struggle but remember these words and take them into account. Add to this list as you grow and learn your own code, but never subtract from it.
I will always love you, son.
-Your father
As I finished the letter, I heard a large crash in the warehouse. I sprang to my feet, rushing to see what happened. A crate was on its side, Nate scrambling off the forklift.
“What the fuck happened?” I barked, flying up to Nate’s side as he stumbled out of the driver’s seat.
“Fuck, the crate lost its balance.” His hands were in the air as he stared down at the cracked wood, half off the lift.
“Just go home.” I checked to make sure there wasn’t too much damage. Thankfully there wasn’t.
“Ax, I swear, it was just an accident.” He tried to defend himself.
“It’s fine. Your head’s just not in the game today. Get some rest and be sharp tomorrow.”